for UXrs, by UXrs

Spunk, the only way to get ahead as a designer

We asked some of London’s most respected UX practitioners to tell us what differentiates a mediocre designer from the very best. Apparently, it’s all about spunk and seeing the wider picture.

Attitude

Jon Dodd has hired many of UXers since starting Bunnyfoot in 1999. He says succeeding as a UX practitioner is all about attitude. “Show me a fascination with human behavior, a hunger to learn and to keep current” he says. “I want to work with someone who shows bottle, someone who wants to create and share an informed opinion”. This is best presented in a top online portfolio. In return, Bunnyfoot offers unparalleled training, variation and genuine project responsibility.

James Reeve is Head of Creative at Foolproof. Similarly, he looks for designers who are prepared to challenge conventions and to show passion for the design of everyday things. He cites Pete Smart’s redesign of the airline boarding pass. “This designer saw a problem and just went out and created a better solution, on the back of his own initiative”. Trenton Moss, founder of Webcredible agrees, “Just go out and do it. You got to get out of your comfort zone and be proactive if you want to get noticed”.

Wider Focus

Standing out from the crowd is also about staying ahead of the curve. The boundaries of User Experience are in constant flux as technology and the market changes. Everyone we spoke to stresses the importance of developing a wider skill set than just wireframing or user research for example.

“The impact of what we do is ever expanding. UXers should broaden their horizons and explore things such as Environmental & Experiential Design for example” states Jonathan Lovatt-Young, Head of Service and Experience Design at Tribal Worldwide. Especially as design agencies are being increasingly tasked with digi-physical projects such as major event installations.

Moss added “There is a potential threat to the bespoke or UX-only role. Opportunities might become less and less if you don’t diversify or alternatively choose to become a subject specialist”.

While speaking about the importance of getting to grips with Branding, IoT or Service Design, Dodd closes with a noteworthy comment “Get off your butt and develop yourself, it will be recognized and rewarded”. In other words, show some spunk to get ahead as a UX professional.

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